Twinspired

artsandcrafts

What does Nashville, thorns, and Dolly Parton's blooms all have in common? They were all part of our recent excursion to Nashville where we stayed with our oldest brother, Jim and his wife, Starla. 

Jim and Starla definitely win the 'hostess with the mostess' award. No matter the hour of your arrival, one is met with hugs, snacks, more towels than one would ever need, and chocolates on your pillow. 

While Jim and Starla are known for their hospitality, they're better known for their green thumb(s). With over 200 varieties of roses prospering in their yard, they were brave enough to set us loose with pruners, gloves, and free reign.

Carrol went for any flower as long as it smelled good. The top smeller was a rose called The 'Dolly Parton'. Its double blooms demanded a slightly inappropriate joke by Jim...and then Starla...and then Carrol....and then Jim again. 

Paula stuck to flowers in a more monochromatic color palette: pink and pink. Or as she likes to call it: blush and bashful. (One is a much darker shade of pink than the other!)

Paula working on hard trimming
blush, not bashful, roses

After a few snips and a ready supply of vases, we tackled our own arrangement to keep at our bedside. Despite concerns that our skills would be lacking, here is what we learned...

• Roses have thorns. (Actually we already knew this. We were just reminded of it very quickly.)
• Clip a few other plants/greenery for filler. 
• Start with the flowers then add filler. 
• Cut both under warm water so they last longer.
• Roses make your room smell super clean.
• Most importantly, it is almost impossible to make something as beautiful as a rose look bad!

Roses surrounded by Golden Mop